The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has procured and handed over new operational vehicles to significantly improve efficiency and strengthen day-to-day refinery operations. The vehicle acquisition marks a major logistical milestone for the state-owned refinery, which has faced operational constraints for over a decade.
New Vehicles to Strengthen Refinery Operations
The newly procured fleet includes:
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Eight brand new Mitsubishi pickup trucks
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Three Toyota Coaster buses
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Two industrial forklifts
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Other essential operational vehicles
These vehicles are expected to support technical teams, logistics, transportation, and general refinery activities, contributing to smoother and more reliable operations.
Background: Addressing Long-Standing Logistical Challenges
Handing over the vehicles on Sunday, January 4, 2026, TOR Board Chairman Nayon Bilijo described the procurement as a timely intervention, noting that the refinery had suffered severe logistical challenges for many years.
He revealed that the last major logistical support of this scale was received in 2013, and the prolonged absence of adequate vehicles had negatively affected productivity and slowed operational progress.
Internally Generated Funds Used for Procurement
Mr Bilijo confirmed that the vehicles were procured using internally generated funds (IGF) from the refinery in 2025, just like other recent works undertaken by TOR.
This development, he said, demonstrates management’s commitment to prudent financial management and sustainable operational revival.
Official Remarks from TOR Board Chairman
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Bilijo said:
“The last instance the refinery benefited from such substantial logistical support from management dates back to 2013, and the prolonged absence of adequate operational logistics adversely affected productivity and slowed overall progress.”
He added:
“Therefore, authorising the immediate deployment for official and operational use is most encouraging.”
Appreciation to Government and Workforce
The TOR Board Chairman expressed profound appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, for their continued support and strategic direction.
“Management deeply acknowledges your guidance, leadership, and resolute agenda aimed at ensuring the sustainable success and revitalisation of the refinery,” he stated.
He also commended the refinery’s workforce for their resilience, dedication, and unwavering support throughout the refinery’s revival efforts.
Significance for TOR’s Revival Agenda
The vehicle acquisition aligns with TOR’s broader revival agenda, which includes:
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Resumption of crude oil refining operations
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Improving operational reliability
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Strengthening in-house technical capacity with local engineers
These efforts are aimed at restoring TOR’s role as a key player in Ghana’s energy and petroleum sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are the new vehicles important for TOR?
They address long-standing logistical gaps and improve operational efficiency across departments.
How were the vehicles funded?
They were procured using TOR’s internally generated funds from 2025.
When was the last major vehicle procurement at TOR?
The last comparable logistical support was received in 2013.
